Because of a notorious remark by Don Abbondio, a character in Allessandro Manzoni’s novel I promessi sposi (The Betrothed), Carnielo has become synonymous with the “perfect nobody” in Italy. By analogy, Florentines can be heard exclaiming: “Carnielo? Who was that guy?” Such being the case, it should be...
The Oratorio del Santissimo Crocifisso (Oratory of the Most Holy Crucifix) in Rome is a beautiful and but not well known large chapel which was built in memory of a miraculous event. On the night of 23 May 1519, the church of San Marcello al Corso was destroyed in...
As someone who has sailed extensively in Croatia, the islands of the so-called Zadar archipelago are really close to sailing heaven. The archipelago consists of some 300 islands, and it is charaterised by the same haunting beauty that pervades the Kornatis. Dugi Otok (Long Island), north of the...
By way of an introduction into some more history pieces I am going to write, I thought I would give you just a little history on the Croatian language…… there will be some more on this in a coming post!! The Croats speak and write Croatian, which...
According to legend, zuccotto is the first semifreddo in the history of cooking and was originally made in an infantryman’s studded helmt. In the Tuscan dialect zucca means ‘head’. It was originally prepared with ricotta, glacé (candied) fruit, almonds and dark (semisweet) chocolate. I love this dessert – it is quick and...
Here is one of my favourite dishes from Tuscany, the cookbook I shared with you on my blog. This recipe comes from the province of Lucca. This is such a wonderful soup to share with friends (this recipe will serve 6) – just add some Tuscan bread or ciabatta and...
George Bernard Shaw summed up the ethereal charm of the Kornati Islands best when he first sighted them: “On the last day of the Creation God desired to crown his work, and thus created the Kornati Islands, out of tears, stars and breath.” This lofty praise is well deserved...
(Portrait by Tintoretto, c,1575) Veronica Franco (1580-1625) was a poet famous in her own time who made her living as a courtesan. she received her training from her mother, who was also a courtesan until she married. The Franco family was of relatively high birth for Venice, coming...
Tycho Brahe (1546-1601), the famous Danish astronomer had a fascinating life and much has been written about him. There is however, one fascinating theory about him – that he was the father of Christian IV and the source for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Tycho Brahe lived on the island of Hven from...
I will soon be introducing you to a an wonderful Tuscan cookbook, but by way of a teaser I thought I would share with you a recipe from the cookbook for a melt-in-the-mouth Pistoria Chestnut Cake which is so simple to make but is so delicious that you will...
Welcome to my love affair with the food, wine, history and culture of the Mediterranean, past and present. Here you will find not only recipes, drinks and fabulous products, but the history of the food and culture of the Mediterranean.
My purpose is to get you to explore and experience new tastes and along the way to immerse yourself in the wonderful history of this diverse and wonderful region – from Venice to Istanbul, Rome to Dubrovnik, Athens to Crete and all places in between and in the surrounds. Be prepared to be surprised, delighted and enthralled as you take this trip with me.
